POMONA, CA — Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord launched the Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s first Femineer Program due to a joint effort between Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and global architecture, engineering, and design firm Stantec to empower the workforce of the future. With Stantec’s support, Ygnacio Valley High School’s Engineering Pathway was able to bring Cal Poly Pomona’s Femineer Program to female students interested in developing their creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences.

Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Engineering created and funded The Femineer Program starting in 2013 to inspire female students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in their careers and education. The program provides 6th through 12th grade female students with project-based learning through engagement with engineering mentors, while fostering a community for current and future STEM leaders. The initiative engages participants through hands-on activities with real-world applications. Through the program, Femineer girls acquire technical knowledge and practical skills.

“Transportation technology is rapidly changing, and our field will need a workforce to meet those advances,” CCTA Executive Director Timothy Haile said. “CCTA supports STEM education to help cultivate future transportation professionals, and we are grateful to partner with Stantec and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District in our effort to make our industry more inclusive and diverse.”

The Femineer Club will meet every two weeks after school. Initially, female students will be introduced to fundamental tools. As the program progresses, they will learn basic robotics skills such as how to program Hummingbird boards consisting of motors, sensors, and light-emitting diodes. Stantec’s female engineers will collaborate to help guide lessons and offer mentorship.

“As a company, we’re committed to making lasting connections to people and communities and fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity,” said Tina Moschetti, a Vice President in Stantec’s Transportation group. “Having the opportunity to work side-by-side with creative female students is inspiring, and we’re honored to support the next generation of female engineers. We’re humbled to partner with CCTA and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District to bring this meaningful program to life.”

“During the learning process, women in STEM can lift girls up by working collaboratively with them,” said Mt. Diablo Unified Superintendent Adam Clark, Ed.D. “We hope the new Femineer afterschool program will build confidence and make learning more fun while professionals from our community provide mentoring to help inspire curiosity and passion for STEM careers in our students."